Explore the natural world in Carnegie Museum of Natural History’s homeschool classes. Students ages 5-18 from the local homeschool community can attend sessions designed to complement homeschool science curriculums and make homeschooling more convenient, interactive, and engaging for your family.
Upcoming Homeschool Classes
Fall Homeschool Classes listed below meet at the museum on the following Mondays.
- October 9, 2023
- October 16, 2023
- October 23, 2023
- October 30, 2023
- November 6 2023
Last day to register for classes is September 25, 2023
Is your class sold out? Sign up for the waitlist.
Natural Wonders
Ages 5-7
1:00-3:30 p.m.
Natural Wonders are all around us! Examine fascinating natural patterns and use objects from nature to create your own designs. Dig into the science behind color and texture as you experiment with bright red beets, beautiful butterfly wings, and spiral snail shells. Investigate critters of all shapes and sizes as you explore the wonders of the natural world!
Eco Adventure
Ages 8-10
1:00-3:30 p.m.
Explore biodiversity in different ecosystems on regular treks through the museum’s collections and outdoors in nearby Schenley Park. Examine water samples and aquatic life. Peek in on the lives of bugs, birds, and mammals in and around trees. Soar to new heights as you study birds and seed dispersal. Learn about the delicate balance of ecosystems and what makes a healthy ecosystem. There’s something for every outdoor adventurer this fall—both inside AND outside the museum’s walls!
Environmental Detectives
Ages 11-13
1:00-3:30 p.m.
Don your CSI gear and get ready to dig into environmental mysteries. Explore watersheds and examine how humans impact local aquatic life. Investigate food webs and discover how invasive species affect native plants and animals. Observe pond water samples to search for macroinvertebrates. Identify indicator species and use them to draw conclusions about the health of the environment. Experiment with chromatography, DNA, and analyze water quality samples.
Chemistry of the Earth
High School
9:00-11:30 a.m.
Explore the world around us from a chemical perspective. Prove that atoms exist, and dig into atomic and molecular structures. Learn about the properties of minerals and investigate chemical reactions. Be part of the solution as you perform experiments that help define the physical and chemical properties of solutions. Explore how all of these moving pieces—and more—work together to make the world as we know it!
Refund Policy
For multi-session classes, full refund less $10 handling fee for withdrawals made at least one week before program begins. Withdrawals made less than one week before the program starts, but before the second class session, are subject to a fee of $10 plus the pro-rated cost of a single class. No refunds after the second class has met.
Inclement Weather Policy
For children’s programs scheduled to occur December through March, the following inclement weather policy will be used: Should hazardous conditions result in cancellation of classes, announcements will be made on television stations KDKA, WTAE, WPXI, and FOX. Decisions are based on the needs of all students and instructors, some of whom drive considerable distances to Oakland. Makeup days may be scheduled for missed classes. During any inclement weather, please use your own discretion to attend for your own safety and that of your student.
